BY THE NUMBERS: More than one million natural-disaster victims supplied since 2001
WHO'S IN CHARGE: Tom Henderson, 61, a former Royal Navy search-and-rescue diver and offshore-drilling consultant
WHAT IT DOES: Henderson established ShelterBox in 2000 to offer practical tools to disaster victims so they can help themselves, an approach designed to foster self-reliance and self-esteem. Each $1,000 kit, which comes in a durable box that doubles as a storage container or crib, contains a family tent (torture-tested to withstand high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures), blankets, a multifuel stove, a cookset, a water filtration system, tools, and an activity pack for kids. Teams of volunteers deploy to disaster sites—often within 24 hours—hand-deliver boxes, and teach families how to use them. ShelterBox spent more than $19 million on programs last year; since 2001, it has distributed 110,000 boxes in 150 disaster zones, including the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, Hurricane Katrina, and the Haiti earthquake.
EXTRA CREDIT: Individual donations—which go straight to paying for box contents—can be followed with tracking numbers.
LOOKING AHEAD: ShelterBox recently revamped its ShelterBox Academy, which trains hundreds of volunteers every year to operate in harsh, remote locales. It’s now offering more courses for the public, including university classes, corporate team training, and first-aid programs, which raise funds for volunteer education.
A Shelterbox tent Photographer: Courtesy of Shelterbox
Comments
As a SBox volunteer for nearly two years, it has been a privilege to work with the organization. I thank all those who give of their time and resources who help those in need by no fault of their own.
Flag ThisThank you Outside magazine for recognizing the outstanding efforts of all those that support us and enable us to do what we do. We want to do more and with your and their help and support we will. All best regards from Shelterbox Land in the UK :-)
Flag ThisI've worked in several non-profits over the years and gotten to know Shelterbox quite well over the last few. Without doubt, among the top-tier of mission-focused, keep-it-simple, get-the-job-done orgs. They'll get the bulk of my family's donation budget this year... and we'll make gifts for those hard-to-fit relatives, as well.
Flag ThisGreat Stuff guys - Thanks for doing the research and due dilligence - Alwayls great to get interest and support from our friends across the pond - for up to date news and information on our work visit www.shelterbox.org - There is much to do ! - ONWARDS TH
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